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New council takes office
The
2008 municipal elections have come and gone and Bowen's new council is
now officially installed at City Hall. An inauguration ceremony was
held at Cates Hill Chapel on 1 December. In true Bowen style the event
was a creative mix of pomp and circumstance, serious reflection,
heartfelt acknowledgments, mirth and merriment.
Elected to serve Bowen for the next three years are: Bob Turner, as
mayor and councillors Alison Morse, Peter Frinton, David Wrinch, Nerys
Poole, Doug Hooper and Cro Lucas.
Returning mayor, Bob Turner chaired the meeting, noting the strong
turnout of residents who had gathered to "witness, applaud and
celebrate." The Honourable Judge Judi Gedye conducted the swearing in
and administration of oaths. Councillor Nerys Poole and Councillor
Alison Morse accepted the appointment of Islands Trust Municipal
Trustees. But before the official duties were enacted, local residents
expressed a few sentiments, in prayer, prose, poetry and song.
Reverend Shelagh McKinnon, in delivering the invocation, reflected on
the colour of an election and asked "Where do we go from here." Keynote
speaker, Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, a newcomer to Bowen, artist,
activist and former elected chief councillor in Haida Gwaii reminded
everyone of the enormous power of a small community. Poet, and former
municipal councillor Lisa Shatzky, delivered a plea to the new council
as she recited the Call, urging elected leaders to:
"Build no more dusty and death affirming foundations
with flattened dreams,
for now more than ever
is the time to reach high
and when the song is dreamed
the hummingbirds will appear
at your doorsteps
and know your names."
(Click here to read a full version of the poem.)
Finally, musician Marc Gawthrop hammed it up with a song sung to the tone of These are my favourite things, highlighting a wish list to be included in a new Official Community Plan.
Bowen's mayor recognized and thanked the outgoing Council
members – David Hocking, Lisa Shatzky and former mayor and councillor,
Lisa Barrett -- for their commitment to serving Bowen. Looking forward,
Turner said the next three years are a critical time for Bowen. The
island will be grappling with a number of challenges including a
world-wide economic downturn, global warming, and the crisis of
affordable housing. "We'll figure it out with made-on-Bowen solutions
grounded in values of a small island community," said the mayor.
Frinton elected to GVRD
 Council
has elected Councillor Peter Frinton to be its representative at the
Board of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (Metro Vancouver).
Council chose Frinton as the municipal director and appointed Alison
Morse as the alternate. Councillor Frinton will also sit on Translink's
Mayors' Council on Regional Transportation. In addition to a host of
other appointments to various committees, last term Councillor Frinton
represented Bowen, along with Councillor Morse, on the Islands Trust
Board. He also served in that capacity from 1999 – 2002.
CRC Resolution deferred
Before they broke for the Christmas holidays, Council determined that
it was "premature" to consider a resolution, introduced by Councillor
Nerys Poole, regarding the comprehensive development plan for Cape
Roger Curtis (CRC). The motion addresses next steps and suggests
changes to the process currently underway.
In introducing the resolution, Councillor Poole said it was an attempt
to "address the reality of the election results." That is, that only
two of the four councillors who voted in favour of the first reading of
the proposed bylaw allowing the CRC neighbourhood plan to move forward
were reelected in November's municipal election. In the motion, Poole
wrote that during the election campaign, three members of the newly
elected Council spoke publicly against the proposed development. All
who were subsequently elected spoke in favour of a review of the
island's Official Community Plan (OCP).
Therefore, Councillor
Poole proposed that the municipality write the owners of the CRC lands
asking them to express their views on "continuing negotiations with the
municipality on a development proposal that will substantially confirm"
to the current OPC, and "deferring further negotiations until the
completion of the planned review" of the OCP.
Poole said her
intent was not "to foreclose ongoing negotiations or the public
process", but that the process should be linked to an OCP review.
However,
the Committee of the Whole, on 18 December, in a 5:2 vote chose to
defer making a decision on the proposed resolution and instead schedule
a full-day meeting in January to "further discuss and orient council to
the work and process that has happened to date" regarding Cape Roger
Curtis development. Council wants an opportunity to consult with
financial consultants and legal counsel as well before deciding what
action to take next.
Members of the public responded strongly to
the proposed resolution, urging council not to halt negotiations with
the developers of the 631-acre privately owned property.
When
the resolution was tabled at a council meeting on 8 December, former
councillor David Hocking said it would be "disrespectful" of Council to
interfere with the process at this time. He noted that with first
reading, the municipality had embarked upon a referral process, asking
various advisory committees to review and comment on the proposed
bylaw. Before taking any specific action, Hocking said council should
receive and read those reports. He also urged them to undertake a full
public process.
At the Committee of the Whole meeting, Mayor Bob
Turner disagreed that the resolution was disrespectful. The motion
"intends to clarify on points of importance that relate to issues of an
OCP allowance and review which is contemplated," he said.
He added that it is "essential for council to operate with clarity -- with staff, proponents and the community."
Budget review underway
As one of its first jobs, the new
council reviewed the 2009 proposed budget this month. Municipal staff
outlined departmental budgets and prevented an overview of programs and
services.
Earlier this year, Council passed a motion to cap an increase in taxes
at 4.5%. Over the past few months, Joanne Cunday, the Director of
Finance, has worked with department managers to minimize expenditures
and costs without decreasing capacity to deliver current level of
services. Staff revised figures, and managed to cut $95,900 from the
overall budget in order to meet the thresholds set by council.While Phase I of the budget process is relatively complete, work on
Phase II will continue in the New Year. Still to be undertaken is a
Strategic Plan review, a capital plan, determination of reserves,
Community Grants Presentation, local service areas budget reviews and
the setting of property taxes, exemptions and revenue policies. As per
statutory requirements, the municipality must adopt its 2009 Five Year
Financial Plan before May 15, 2009.
The municipality will host a Town Hall meeting in the New Year to present the budget and gauge public feedback.
Budget planning documents are available to the public and can be found online on the finance page of the BIM website.
Playing field to be focus of public meeting
The
municipality has set January 17 as the date for a public meeting to
discuss the synthetic turf field project at the Bowen Community School.
It will take place in the Bowen Island Community School gymnasium from
1:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Council made the decision in October to hold a public meeting that
provides a clear understanding of the process and rationale for the
synthetic grass field project.
The Bowen Island Municipality (BIM) and the West Vancouver School
District will jointly host the meeting. There will be a presentation of
the project and work to date, followed by an opportunity to ask
questions and provide feedback.
Prior to the meeting, the municipality will be issuing a flyer with
background information and details on the proposed project. Residents
who are unable to attend the meeting will be encouraged to forward
their queries or comments to the municipality via a comment form that
will be posted on the BIM website. Council will attend the meeting,
with the goal of listening to the community regarding the recreational
investment choice that is before them.
Greenways key in sustaining a healthy and resilient environment
“Greenways help keep the biodiversity from disappearing,” noted Sue Ellen Fast, a local biologist and environmental consultant. An extensive, interconnected network of protected natural lands on the island ensures the survival of native species. It secures the capacity and resilience of natural ecological processes such as sustaining air and water resources, as well as sequestering greenhouse gases. And “a rich biodiversity is the best way to sustain the natural environment that supports life on Bowen,” Fast said in a recent interview.
Fast is the chair of the Greenways committee of the Bowen Island Municipality. The committee, lead by planner Celine Fung, has been working to develop a Greenways Strategy for Bowen Island. In a recent interview, Fast referred to the greenways strategy as "an invitation to people to participate to help build a more sustainable island." Building on, strengthening and broadening the OCP, the bylaw is an opportunity for communities to engage in cooperative stewardship.
Earlier this fall, the municipality held a public information session
to focus on its proposed legislation. Approximately three-dozen members
of the public attended, asked questions and expressed both their
support and concerns.
The proposed amendment to the Official Community Plan (OCP) is
designed as a tool to aid in the conservation of natural resources,
sensitive ecosystems, watersheds, coastline areas, unique landscape
areas, cultural landscapes, wildlife habitats and migration routes, and
other natural areas. The bylaw would allow these natural assets to be
managed for environmental conservation and protection, recreation and
eco-tourism, as well as community health and wellness purposes.
In a recent interview, Fast referred to the greenways strategy
as "an invitation to people to participate to help build a more
sustainable island." Building on, strengthening and broadening the OCP,
the bylaw is an opportunity for communities to engage in cooperative
stewardship.
The strategy will help the municipality secure and protect
lands for greenways using a variety of administrative and regulatory
methods. These may include the purchasing or designating of significant
natural spaces, promoting private dedications and donations, creating
supportive bylaw regulations and policies, securing environmental or
green space conservation covenants, negotiating statutory right-of-ways
and easements, encouraging rezoning amenity contributions that
encompass significant greenways, exploring density transfer mechanisms,
creating special permits or review processes for environmental
sensitive areas, establishing stewardship partnerships, and supporting
community greenways initiatives.
Fast said that the Greenways bylaw is not designed to be
"coercive" or threaten private property rights, but rather provide a
mechanism for people to ensure green spaces can be maintained.
 What does biodiversity do for us?
If you've ever wondered about the benefits of living in a rich natural environment, visit the website of Biodiversity BC.
Are you on the list?
It's time to register for the
Waitlist for the purchase of affordable housing on Bowen Island. The
Affordable Housing Working Group is now accepting applications from
those who would like to have an opportunity to purchase units when they
become available. Even that though may be a few years away, affordable
housing consultant Tim Wake recommends that the earlier islanders get
on the list, the better.
"This is just like a line-up; if you get your application in now you'll
be at the front of the line when we do our first project and start
selling houses," said Wake in a recent interview.
"The reason to not wait until houses actually appear because you might not actually get a chance to buy one."
The applications will also help identify the types and kinds of housing
units most in demand. Development projects
can be designed to according to the needs of those interested in purchasing units.
The applications will also help clarify the types and kinds of housing
units most in demand. That way, when they arise, development projects
can be designed to fill the need.
Application forms are available at the Municipal Hall. They can also be downloaded from the Affordable Housing Working Group website. For more information, please contact Tim Wake at contact@bihousing.org.
Meeting with BC Ferries covers many topics
The
municipality's ferry advisory committee (BIMFAC) recently met with BC
Ferries to talk about marine transportation needs for Bowen. Numerous
topics were discussed at the meeting in November with the Senior Master
of the Queen of Capilano, terminal staff and senior management.
New Security Measures
BC
Ferries reported that the federal Department of Transportation has set
new guidelines for its security policies at terminals, set to take
effect in 2009. Ferries staff reported that the regulations "leave a
lot of room for interpretation." One of the measures being implemented
is the deployment of bomb-sniffing dogs. Canines will be patrolling
vehicle lineups, as well as foot passenger and baggage areas. The
four-legged security guards will be sniffing for bombs, not drugs, the
company said.
Passengers will experience other differences in
travelling with BC Ferries, as the company complies with federal
regulations. Designated restricted areas, more closed circuit
television monitoring and new signage will be the obvious changes. But
as part of the security strategy, some of the measures will remain
secret, and possibly unnoticed.
Tariff Rationalization
Grant
Bierimeier, Manager of Fleet Deployment and Scheduling presented a
report on tariff rationalization. He said that the company's objective
is to reduce "tariff clutter" by looking at the various service fees
the company charges on its different routes. Currently, for all the
minor routes, which encompass the Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast,
there are 2,500 unique prices.
Bowen's advisory committee
suggested that bicyclists should be allowed to travel free on Route 8,
from Horseshoe Bay to Bowen, as on some other routes. This would help
promote an environmentally-friendly transportation mode. But Rob
Clarke, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer said
that the company was concerned that many bikes would fill a space that
a car could use, reducing fare paying customers.
At a recent
BIMFAC meeting, Councillor Alison Morse, who sits on the committee as
liaison, reported that many island communities were concerned about the
impact of the increased length-based pricing for vehicles over 20 feet.
BC Ferries is considering implementing this as they eliminate
over-height pricing. Camping vehicles are one of the types of
automobiles that will be affected by this change.
Marshalling at Snug Cove
BC
Ferries responded negatively to the committee's request that it provide
a person to marshall traffic in Snug Cove during periods of heavy
traffic. BCF and BIMFAC have been working on how to best advise people
of delayed or cancelled sailings or additional sailings. BCF is
investigating mounting an electronic sign on the washrooms to provide
sailing status. The signage information would be controlled from the
tower in Horseshoe Bay.
Communications
The
advisory committee expressed frustration on the manner in which BC
Ferries addresses issues and responds to requests. "Are you listening?"
was the question they asked, noting that on occasion recommendations
were unacknowledged or ignored. In its defence, BC Ferries countered
that while the company could not always act upon the committee's
recommendation, it would offer a valid explanation explaining its
position. In the minutes of the meeting documented by the ferry
company, it was stated that the advisory committee "needs to
acknowledge the reasons we can't respond to everything, and not just
say we aren't listing."
Summer Schedule
BCF
provided statistics on on-time performance for the last four years and
noted the significant improvement in 2008 due to the new summer
schedule. Bowen's advisory committee had asked that BC Ferries consider
adopting a year-round schedule. However BC Ferries said that a single
year round schedule is "not a realistic option." Cross-traffic issues
with the other two routes are different in the summer from the rest of
the year requiring a shift in Bowen’s arrival and departure times
during the summer months, and possibly into the first two weeks of
September in 2009. The advisory committed recommended that the seasonal
schedule be promoted vigorously, beginning in June of 2008.
Connectivity with Ferry and Blue Bus Schedules
Members
of the committee met in the summer with the Terminal Manager and
representatives of West Van Transit to discuss the need for better
connections between the bus and ferry schedules. BCF and WV Transit are
continuing to meet on this topic. Studies have determined that about
50% of the foot passengers going through Horseshoe Bay are going to
Nanaimo, 30% to the Sunshine Coast and 20% to Bowen.
Winter Road Maintenance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q – Does the Municipality regularly salt the roads to keep them free of ice?
A –
Yes, when freezing conditions are expected a vehicle will salt the
roads beginning at 3:30 am, Monday to Saturday (and beginning at 4:30
am, Sunday and Holidays).
Q – Does the Municipality have a Snow & Ice Control Procedure?
A – Before a snow fall, the roads will be
pre-salted to help prevent hard packing of snow on the asphalt. During
a snow fall, the first priority for the plows is to clear snow from all
main roads and bus routes. The
trucks will continue to clear and maintain the roads on a 24 hour basis during the snow storm.
Q – Why isn’t my road being cleared?
A – Plow operators are instructed to
maintain primary roads first and only clear secondary roads after the
primary roads have been cleared. Tertiary roads are only maintained
after both primary and secondary roads have been cleared. If snow falls
again before all clearing is complete, crews must then return to
streets with a higher priority. Understandably, this lengthens the
response time to residential roads and is the prime cause of inquiries
on snow control.
Q – What is the basis of the plow route priorities?
A – Plow route priorities have been
created to allow crews to focus their effort on specific routes that
are considered more critical than others.
1) Primary route - main roads and transit routes.
2) Secondary route – roads that
are relatively close to a main route or roads that may be beyond the
capabilities of the crew to keep clear during a heavy or long duration
snow storm.
3) Tertiary roads – roads that have safety concerns associated with
them during snow & ice conditions and roads that service relatively
few homes.
Q – Why doesn’t the Municipality use sand instead of salt?
A – When considering the significant
clean-up costs, sand is much more expensive than salt. However, when
the temperature falls below -6°C the effectiveness of salt is reduced,
and a sand/salt mixture will be applied to the road surface.
Additionally, sand or crushed gravel may be applied to certain sections
of the road surface to provide immediate traction until the salt begins to react.
Staff and Council of the Bowen Island Municipality extend seasons greetings to the residents of Bowen Island. Please note that Municipal Hall is currently closed until Monday, January 5, 2009.
In case of emergency, contact:
Police/Fire/Medical Emergency: 9-1-1
Road/Water/Other Emergencies: 604-473-3534
Bylaw Emergency: 604-328-5499
Please note that December 31, 2008 is the deadline for paying
outstanding property taxes. Payments dated December 31, 2008 that are
in our mail or our drop box at 8:30 a.m. on January 5, 2009 will be
accepted as December 31, 2008 payment.
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